From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Governorship candidates of eight political parties, their running-mates, among other candidates vying for different elective positions in Kano state, on Wednesday, signed a Peace Accord, promising to ensure peaceful and violent-free elections at Meena Event Centre, Kano.
Among the parties which candidates were present during the High-level Consultations with Key Stakeholders, organized by the Kano Peace Committee (KPC), an affiliate of the National Peace Committee (NPC), include the APC , ADC, PDP, NNPP , LP, PRP, SDP, and ADP.
The KPC is co-chaired by Emeritus Prof. Ibrahim H. Umar and Bishop John Namanzah Niyiring who doubles as the Catholic Bishop of Kano and chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Speaking to Journalists shortly after signing the signing of the Peace Accord, the Head of KPC Secretariat, Ambassador Ibrahim A. Waiya, recalled that KPC was established to facilitate peace in Kano state, especially before, during and after elections.
He further stated that, “the Peace Accord waa signed by eight political parties to get involved in advocacy for peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
“KPC decided to commit the gubernatorial candidates to sign this peace accord and making commitment to the good people of Kano that they have agreed to work together, with other stakeholders, towards promoting peace before, during and after the general elections.
“We are an independent peace architecture working with the National Peace Committee at the same time, and what we capitalize on is appealing to the conscience of the gubernatorial candidates, at the same time committing them to the same kind of persons that they expect to vote for them.
“In the event of you violating any content of the signed Peace Accord, it means that one is trying to prove himself that he is not responsible and not a leader that can be trusted.
“What we signed is a commitment and a commitment goes with a pledge and a pledge is an obligation. And therefore, we feel that as an obligation, somebody consciously signing and committing himself to uphold the contents of the Peace Accord, cannot really go against it. If you do, you are telling Kano people that you are not ready to be a leader.”
The Co-chairman of KPC, Bishop Namanzah also told Journalists that: “Signing of a Peace Accord is not a joke. It must be respected, and they are morally bound to stick to what they have signed and they are morally bound to abide with what they have signed to maintain peace, as well as work peacefully with their supporters, who are promoting them.
“We don’t want a situation that is happening in some parts of the state in terms of violence.”
Former Kano CAN chairman and a member of KPC, Rev. Samuel Adeyemo, during his remarks, emphasized on the necessity for peace to reign before, during and after the conduct of the election, pointing out that, “without peace, elections cannot hold.”
Speaking during the occassion, Eze Ndigbo in Kano, His Highness, Igwe Boniface Ibekwe, blaimed politicians for instigating violence during electioneering campaigns and elections through making inflammatory statements and hate-speech which trigger their supporters to forment trouble.
“We all are aware of what happened in 2012. It is a sad event to remember, and we do not want a repeat of such ugly Incident. Our politicians and political leaders should conduct themselves in peaceful manner.
“During campaigns and elections, all of us have roles to play. That is what I always tell the politicians when they visit my Palace. I do urge them to ensure peace and stability while looking for political power.
“I urge politicians to remember that leadership is an act of service to humanity. Politicians should stop instigating their supporters to forment trouble.
“They should remember that power belongs to God, and only God gives power to whoever He wishes. They should remain peaceful and stop making inflammatory statements during elections.
“There are mechanisms to recover stolen mandate. Any of them who feel aggrieved should go to court. By the special grace of God, we will enjoy peace in Kano before, during and after the general elections.”
The meeting was attended by members of the Civil Society Organizations, representatives of UNOWAS, UN, NPC, INEC, National Human Rights Commission, students, youth groups, the police, NDLEA, National Peace Committee, Interparty Advisory Council, religious leaders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, among others.
